Image scanner and image scanning system

ABSTRACT

An image scanning system comprising an image scanner and a terminal, wherein the image scanner comprises an image storing unit to store the image data; a terminal designation unit to designate the terminal as a transmission target; a terminal storing unit to record correspondence data to associate the image data with the terminal; an information notification unit to transmit a notification of information concerning image data to the designated terminal; a request receiving unit to receive a request for image data; and an image transmission unit to transmit the image data associated with the designated terminal for which the request has been received, and the terminal comprises: an indication unit to make an indication in response to receipt of the notification; and a request transmission unit to transmit the request to the image scanner when a user operation for requesting image data is received.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/562,185 filed Sep. 18, 2009, which claims priority under 35 U.S.C.§119 from Japanese Patent Application No. 2008-248589, filed on Sep. 26,2008. The entire subject matter of the application is incorporatedherein by reference.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

Aspects of the present invention relate to an image scanner and an imagescanning system for generating image data based on an image formed on amedium such as a sheet of paper.

2. Related Art

Image scanning systems in which scanned image data is transmitted andreceived between an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral) and a PC (PersonalComputer) have been widely used. In such a conventional image scanningsystem, a so-called push-scan function of transmitting scanned imagedata generated on the MFP to the PC through a LAN in response to acommand for direct-scanning inputted to the MFP by a user is employed.

SUMMARY

When the push-scan is performed, a user needs to place a document to bescanned on the MFP and to operate the MFP to input a start command forthe push-scan. Therefore, in this case, the user is not at the placearound the PC which receives the scanned image data. However, in theconventional image scanning system, the PC which has received thescanned image data automatically starts an application to display animage based on the scanned image data.

Therefore, a possibility that an outsider might sneak a look at thedisplayed image on a display of the PC arises. As a result, importantinformation may leak to the outsider.

Aspects of the present invention are advantageous in that at least oneof an image scanner and an image scanning system configured to prevent adisplayed image obtained by a push-scan function from being looked by anoutsider and thereby to prevent information from being leaked to theoutsider is provided.

According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided an imagescanning system, comprising: an image scanner that scans an image inaccordance with a command directly inputted by a user and generatesimage data based on the scanned image; and a terminal device thatdisplays an image corresponding to the image data generated by the imagescanner. The image scanner comprises: an image storing unit configuredto store the generated image data; a terminal designation unitconfigured to allow the user to designate the terminal device as atransmission target of the image data; a terminal storing unitconfigured to record correspondence data in which the image data isassociated with the designated terminal device; an informationnotification unit configured to transmit a notification of informationconcerning the image data to the designated terminal device; a requestreceiving unit configured to receive a request for image data from thedesignated terminal device; and an image transmission unit configured totransmit the image data which has been stored in the image storing unitand which is associated, by the correspondence data, with the designatedterminal device for which the request has been received through therequest receiving unit, to the designated terminal device, in responseto reception of the request through the request receiving unit. Theterminal device comprising: an indication unit configured to make anindication to the user in response receipt of the notification from theinformation notification unit; and a request transmission unitconfigured to transmit the request for image data to the image scannerin response to reception of a user operation for requesting the imagedata conducted in response to the indication by the indication unit.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided an imagescanner, comprising: a scan unit configured to scan an image inaccordance with a command directly inputted by a use and to generateimage data based on the scanned image; an image storing unit configuredto store the generated image data; a terminal designation unitconfigured to allow a user to designate a terminal device as atransmission target of the image data; a terminal storing unitconfigured to record correspondence data in which the image data isassociated with the designated terminal device; an informationnotification unit configured to transmit a notification of informationconcerning the image data to the designated terminal device; a requestreceiving unit configured to receive a request for image data from thedesignated terminal device; and an image transmission unit configured totransmit the image data which has been stored in the image storing unitand which is associated, by the correspondence data, with the designatedterminal device for which the request has been received through therequest receiving unit; to the designated terminal device, in responseto reception of the request through the request receiving unit.

It is noted that various connections are set forth between elements inthe following description. It is noted that these connections in generaland unless specified otherwise, may be direct or indirect and that thisspecification is not intended to be limiting in this respect. Aspects ofthe invention may be implemented in computer software as programsstorable on computer-readable media including but not limited to RAMs,ROMs, flash memory, EEPROMs, CD-media, DVD-media, temporary storage,hard disk drives, floppy drives, permanent storage, and the like.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an image scanning system according to anembodiment.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a scanner main process.

FIG. 3 illustrates examples of a PC list, a scan list and a scancompletion notification list.

FIG. 4 illustrates examples of a scan completion notification, anexpiration notification, a PC registration command, and a scan datatransmission command.

FIG. 5A is a flowchart illustrating a scanner periodic process, and FIG.5B is a flowchart illustrating a PC periodic process.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a PC main process.

FIG. 7A is a ladder chart illustrating data exchange in a standby state,and FIG. 7B is a ladder chart illustrating data exchange at the time ofexpiration.

FIG. 8 is a ladder chart illustrating data exchange at the time ofscanning.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereafter, an embodiment according to the invention will be describedwith reference to the accompanying drawings.

As shown in FIG. 1, an image scanning system 1 includes a plurality ofscanners 10, and 30, and a plurality of personal computers 50 and 60which are connected to each other via a network 5.

Each of the scanners 10, 20 and 30 includes a display unit 11, a scanunit 12, a processing unit 13, an input unit 14 and a communication unit15. Since the scanners 10, 20 and 30 have the same configuration, inFIG. 1 the detailed configuration is illustrated only for the scanner10. In the following, explanations of the detailed configuration of thescanner 10 are provided, and explanations of the detailed configurationfor the scanners 20 and 30 will not be repeated for the sake ofsimplicity.

The display unit 11 is, for example, a LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), andis configured to display an image based on an image signal from theprocessing unit 13. The scan unit 12 has a scanning mechanism whichscans an image formed on a document placed on the scanner 10. The inputunit 14 is a user interface having a plurality buttons or a touch panel.When a scan command is inputted by a user through the input unit 14, thescan unit 12 is activated in accordance with instructions from theprocessing unit 13.

The communication unit 15 is configured as a communication interfacewhich communicates with an external device (e.g., the PCs 50 and 60) viathe network 5.

The processing unit 13 is implemented by a microcomputer chip in which aCPU, a ROM and a RAM are embedded. In response to a command inputtedfrom the input unit 14 or the communication unit 15, the processing unit13 executes a process in accordance with a program stored in the ROMembedded therein. Further, the processing unit 13 includes anon-volatile memory (e.g., a flash memory).

Each of the PCs 50 and 60 includes a communication unit 51, a controlunit 52, a display 53, and an operation unit 54. Since the PCs 50 and 60have the same configuration, in FIG. 1 the detailed configuration isillustrated only for the PC 50. In the following, explanations of thedetailed configuration of the PC 50 are provided, and explanations ofthe detailed configuration for the PC 60 will not be repeated for thesake of simplicity.

The communication unit 51 is configured as a communication interfacewhich communicates with an external device (e.g., the scanners 10, 20and 30) via the network 5. The display 53 is, for example, an LCD(Liquid Crystal Display) and is configured to display an image based onan image signal from the control unit 52. The operation unit 54 is auser interface, such as a keyboard and a mouse.

The control unit 52 is implemented by a microcomputer chip in which aCPU, a ROM and a RAM are embedded. In response to a command inputtedfrom the operation unit 54 or the communication unit 51, the controlunit 52 executes a process in accordance with a program stored in theROM embedded therein. Further, the control unit 52 includes anon-volatile memory (e.g., an HDD (hard disk drive)).

The image scanning system 1 has a so-called push-scan function where, inresponse to a command for direct-scanning inputted by the user to one ofthe scanners 10, 20 and 30, scanned image data (hereafter, simplyreferred to as scanned data) is generated on the scanner to which thecommand is inputted, and the scanned image data is transmitted to the PC(50 or 60).

Hereafter, processes for achieving the push-scan function are explainedwith reference to drawings from FIG. 2.

A scanner main process shown in FIG. 2 is started, for example, whenpower of the scanner (10, 20 or 30) is turned ON. The scanner mainprocess is executed under control of the processing unit 13 of thescanner. As shown in FIG. 2, the processing unit 13 judges whether acommand is inputted through the input unit 14 or the communication unit15 (steps S110, S210 and S260). The control unit 13 waits until one of ascan start command, a scan data transmission command and a PCregistration command is inputted (steps S110, S210 and S260).

When the scan start command is inputted (S110: YES), the processing unit13 displays a list of PC names included in a PC list at the presentmoment (step S120) to allow a user to select a PC name of a transmissiontarget to which scanned data is to be transmitted. As shown at the upperportion in FIG. 3, the PC list has a data structure in which a PC nameand a registration time (i.e., a time when a PC registration command isaccepted) are associated with each other. Data is added to the PC listin step S270 which is explained later.

Then, in step S130, the processing unit 13 judges whether at least oneof the PC names is selected from the list (step S130 which functions asa terminal designation unit). The processing unit 13 waits until atleast one of the PC names is selected (S130: NO). When one of the PCnames is selected (S130: YES), the processing unit 13 registers theselected PC name in a scan list (correspondence data) (step S140 whichfunctions as a terminal storing unit).

As shown in the middle portion in FIG. 3, the scan list has a datastructure in which a scan ID for identifying image data, a registrationtime of the image data, a PC name and a data pointer indicating anaddress in the RAM storing the image data are associated with eachother. In step S140, a corresponding filed of the scan list is filledwith the PC name.

Next, the processing unit 13 activates the scan unit 12 to scan adocument, and stores a data pointer to the generated image data in theRAM of the processing unit 13, the scan ID and the registration time inthe scan list (step S150 which functions as an image storing unit). Thatis, in step S150, fields in the scan list other than the filed for thePC name are filled with data. The scan ID may be a particular characterstring for identifying the scanned data. Therefore, for example, thescan ID may be generated automatically using a random number generatedin accordance with the registration time and a MAC address of thescanner (10, 20, or 30).

In step S160, a scan completion notification including informationconcerning the image data, such as the scanner's own name (i.e., thename of one of the scanners 10, 20 and 30), the scan ID and theregistration time, is transmitted to the PC selected in step S130 (stepS160 which functions as an information notification unit). Then, thescanner main process is repeated from the beginning The PC (50 or 60)which has received the scan completion notification registers the dataincluded in the scan completion notification into a scan completionnotification list, and displays an icon indicating that the notificationis received (see steps S420 and S430 in a PC main process which isexplained later).

When the processing unit 13 judges that the scan data transmissioncommand is accepted (S110: NO and S210: YES), the processing unit 13reads the scanned data corresponding to the scan ID included in the scandata transmission command, by referring to the scan list, and transmitsthe scanned data to the PC (50 or 60) which is a source of the scan datatransmission command (step S220). In this case, step S210 functions as arequest receiving unit, and step S220 functions as an image transmissionunit.

As shown in the lower portion in FIG. 4, the scan data transmissioncommand includes information of the scan ID. In step S220, theprocessing unit 13 may judge whether the PC name described in the scanlist matches the PC name of the source of the scan data transmissioncommand, and 13 may transmit the scanned data only when the PC namedescribed in the scan list matches the PC name of the source of the scandata transmission command. On the other hand, when the PC name describedin the scan list does not match the PC name of the source of the scandata transmission command, the processing unit 13 may not transmit thescanned data to the PC of the source of the scan data transmissioncommand.

After step S220 is processed (i.e., after the scanned data istransmitted), the processing unit 13 deletes data relating to thescanned data which has been transmitted, from the scan list, and deletesthe scanned data itself (step S230). Then, the scanner main process isrepeated from the beginning.

If the PC registration command has been received when the scanner mainprocess is started (S110: NO, S210: NO and S260: YES), the processingunit 13 registers the PC name included in the PC registration commandinto the PC list while adding a current time (i.e., a registration time)to the PC name (step S270). Then, the scanner main process is repeatedfrom the beginning.

Hereafter, processes where the scanner (10, 20 or 30) identifies the PC(50 or 60) in an operating state with reference to FIGS. 5A and 5B. Ascanner periodic process shown in FIG. 5A is executed under control ofthe processing unit 13 of the scanner. The scanner periodic process isstarted, for example, when the scanner is turned ON. A PC periodicprocess shown in FIG. 5B is executed under control of the control unit52 of the PC. The PC periodic process is started, for example, when thePC is turned ON.

As shown in FIG. 5A, when the scanner periodic process is started, theprocessing unit 13 refers to the PC list, and deletes the data which wasregistered 6 minutes or more ago (step S310 which functions as a firstdeletion unit). Then, the processing unit 13 refers to the scan list todelete the data for which one day or more has elapsed from theregistration time, and then transmits an expiration notificationindicating that the information concerning the image data is to bedeleted, to the PC (step S320 which functions as a deletion notificationunit).

At this time, the processing unit 13 deletes the scanned datacorresponding to the data deleted from the scan list. As shown at themiddle portion in FIG. 4, the expiration notification includes a scanID. Then, the processing unit 13 moves the scanner into a sleeping stateof sleeping for a predetermined time period (e.g., 5 minutes). After thepredetermined time period has elapsed, the scanner periodic process isrepeated from the beginning.

As shown in FIG. 5B, when the PC periodic process is started, thecontrol unit 52 of the PC (10, 20 or 30) transmits the PC registrationcommand which is data containing the PC name, to the scanner (10, 20 or30) of which scanner name has been registered (step S360). Then, thecontrol unit 52 moves the PC to a sleeping state of sleeping apredetermined time period (e.g., 5 minutes) (step S370). After thepredetermined time period has elapsed, the PC periodic process isrepeated from the beginning.

The scanner (10, 20 or 30) which has received the PC registrationrequest through the PC periodic process operates to write data into thePC list in which the PC name is associated with the registration time(see steps S260 and S270 in the scanner main process). The PC list isregistered, for example, in the RAM.

Through the above described PC periodic process and scanner periodicprocess, the scanner (10, 20, or 30) becomes able to identify the PC inan operating state.

Hereafter, the PC main process shown in FIG. 6 is explained. The PC mainprocess is executed under control of the control unit 52 of the PC (50or 60). The PC main process is started when the PC is turned ON.

When the PC main process is started, the control unit 52 judges whethera command is inputted to the PC through the communication unit 51 or theoperation unit 54 (steps S410, S460 and S560). If no command isreceived, the control unit 52 waits until a command is received (S410:NO, S460: NO and S560: NO).

If the control unit 52 of the PC (50 or 60) has received the scancompletion notification from the scanner (10, 20 or 30) through thecommunication unit 51 (S410: YES), the control unit 52 registers thescan completion notification in the scan completion notification list(step S420).

As shown at the lower portion in FIG. 3, the scan completionnotification list includes the scan ID, the scanner name and aregistration time which is a time of registration in the scan completionnotification list. That is, in the scan completion notification list,the registration time is related to the scan ID and the scanner namewhich are contained in the scan completion notification. The scancompletion notification list is stored, for example, in the RAM or HDDin the control unit 52.

Next, the control unit 52 of the PC displays an icon (e.g., an imagerepresenting the scanner and data) indicating existence of the scanneddata, on a tool bar on the display 53 (step S430 which functions as anotification unit). Then, the scanner periodic process is repeated fromthe beginning.

If the user has clicked the icon on the tool bar through the operationunit 54 when the PC main process is started (S410: NO and S460: YES),the control unit 52 reads the scan completion notification list, anddisplays the list of the scan completion notification list (step S470).Then, the control unit 52 judges whether the user has selected at leastone of the scanned data from the list through the operation unit 54(step S480). It should be noted that if the scan completion notificationlist includes only one piece of scanned data, the control unit 52 mayjudge that the scanned data has selected by the user and may skip stepsS470 and S480.

If the scanned data has not selected (S480: NO), the control unit 52waits until the scanned data is selected. When the scanned data hasselected (S480: YES), the control unit 52 transmits the scan datatransmission command to the scanner (10, 20 or 30) corresponding to thescanner name described in the scan completion notification (step S490which functions as a request transmission unit).

The control unit 52 received the scanned data transmitted from thescanner in response to the request (i.e. the command), displays an imagecorresponding to the received scanned data, and stores the scanned data,for example, in the HDD of the control unit 52 (step S500). Then, thecontrol unit 52 deletes the data corresponding to the received scanneddata from the scan completion notification list (step S510).

Next, the control unit 52 judges whether an unprocessed data exists inthe scan completion notification list (i.e., judges whether an item forwhich the scanned data has not been received exists in the scancompletion notification list) (step S610). If an unprocessed data is notfound in the scan completion notification list (S610: NO), the controlunit 52 displays an icon indicating that no scanned data exists on thetool bar on the display 53 (step S620). If an unprocessed data is foundin the scan completion notification list (S610: YES), the control unit52 displays an icon indicating that the scanned data exists, on the toolbar on the display 53 (step S630). Then, the PC main process terminates.

If the control unit 52 has received the expiration notification when thePC main process is started (S560; YES), the control unit 52 deletes thedata item corresponding to the scan ID included in the expirationnotification (step S570 which functions as a second deletion unit).Then, the steps from S610 are executed.

Hereafter, data exchanged between the scanner (10, 20 or 30) and the PC(50 or 60) is explained with reference to FIGS. 7A, 7B and 8.

As shown in FIG. 7A, in a standby state, the PC (50 or 60) transmitsperiodically the PC registration command to the scanner (10, 20 or 30)to notify the scanner that the PC is in an operating state (step S360).Each time the scanner receives the registration request, the scannerregisters the PC name and the registration time in the PC list (stepS310).

As shown in FIG. 7B, at the time of expiration when the scanned datastored in the scanner should be deleted, an expiration notification istransmitted from the scanner to the PC registered in the scan list(S320). The PC which has received the expiration notification deletesthe scan completion notification (S510).

As shown in FIG. 8, at the time of scanning, the scan completionnotification is transmitted from the scanner to the PC prior to sendingof the scanned data (S160). The PC which has received the scancompletion notification registers the data of the scan completionnotification in the scan completion notification list (S420). Then, thePC displays the icon indicating receipt of the notification (S430).Subsequently, when the PC receives designation of the scanned data(S480), the PC transmits the scan data transmission command to thescanner (S490). The scanner whish has received the scan datatransmission command transmits the scanned data to the PC (S220).

Hereafter, advantages achieved by the above described embodiment aredescribed. In the above described image scanning system 1, the scanner(10, 20 or 30) allows the user to designate the PC (50 or 60) to whichthe image data is to be transmitted, and stores the generated scanneddata, for example, in the RAM in the processing unit 13. Then, thescanner registers the scan list in which the scan data is related to thePC, in the RAM of the processing unit 13, and transmits the informationconcerning the scanned data to the PC.

Then, in response to receipt of the notification (i.e., the scancompletion notification) from the scanner (10, 20 or 30), the PCnotifies the user of receipt of the notification. When the useroperation for requesting the scanned data is received, the PC transmitsthe data request to the scanner.

In response to receipt of the data request from the scanner, the scannertransmits the scanned data stored in the RAM of the processing unit 13,to the PC.

That is, in the image scanning system 1 of the embodiment, the scanner(10, 20 or 30) does not transmit the scanned data to the PC (50 or 60)until the data request based on the user operation on the PC isreceived. Therefore, according to the embodiment, it becomes possible toprevent information from leaking due to the fact that an outsider sneaksa look at the displayed image corresponding to the scanned data.

In the image scanning system 1, in response to receipt of the scancompletion notification from the scanner, the control unit 52 of the PC(50 or 60) displays, on the display 53, an image (e.g., an icon and alist of scanned data) indicating that the notification has beenreceived. In this case, when the user selects a notification imagecorresponding to the notification on the display 53, the PC judges thatthe user operation for requesting the scanned data from the user isaccepted, and transmits a request to the scanner. Therefore, accordingto the image scanning system 1, the user is able to obtain the scanneddata from the scanner by only selecting the notification image displayedon the PC.

In the image scanning system 1, the scanner deletes the scanned datawhen a predetermined time period has elapsed since the scanned data hasbeen generated, and transmits a deletion notification indicatingdeletion of the scanned data, to the PC (50 or 60) corresponding to thedeleted scanned data.

In the PC (50 or 60), information concerning the scanned data is stored.When the notification indicating deletion of the scanned data isreceived from the scanner (10, 20 or 30), the PC deletes the informationconcerning the scanned data corresponding to the received deletionnotification. Furthermore, the PC notifies the user of informationindicating existence of the scanned data in response to a fact that atleast a piece of scanned data is stored in the PC.

According to the image scanning system 1, it is possible to prevent thescanned data from remaining in the scanner (10, 20 or 30) for a longperiod of time. Furthermore, it is possible to delete the informationconcerning the scanned data on the PC (50 or 60) when the scanner (10,20 or 30) deletes the scanned data. At this time, if at least a piece ofscanned data remains on the PC, the PC is able to notify the user ofexistence of the scanned data.

Although the present invention has been described in considerable detailwith reference to certain preferred embodiments thereof, otherembodiments are possible.

In the above described embodiment, the control unit 52 of the PC (50 or60) provides the same indication (i.e., the icon indicating existence ofthe scanned data) regardless of times that the notification indicatingexistence of the scanned data is received. However, the PC may beconfigured to display, on the display 53, notification images, thenumber of which is equal to the times that the notification is receivedsuch that the notification images are associated with respective scanIDs and are selectable on the display 53. In this case, when one of thenotification images is selected on the display 53 of the PC, the PCjudges that a request for the scanned is inputted by the user, andtransmits the data request containing the scan ID corresponding to theselected notification image, to the scanner (10, 20 or 30). It should benoted that in this case the same advantages as those of the abovedescribed embodiment can also be achieved.

The scanner may be configured as a multifunction peripheral havingmultiple functions including a printer function and a facsimilefunction.

What is claimed is:
 1. An image scanner, comprising: a scanning unitconfigured to scan one or more images on a first document and a seconddocument; an input unit; memory storing computer-readable instructions;and a control unit configured to execute the computer-readableinstructions, the computer-readable instructions, when executed, causingthe image scanner to: receive input of destination information throughthe input unit; receive, through the input unit, a first scan startcommand to start scanning an image of the first document and to generatefirst scan image data which is to be transmitted to a terminal deviceidentified by destination information associated with the first scanstart command; generate the first scan image data based on the firstdocument scanned by the scanning unit in response to the first scanstart command; receive, through the input unit, a second scan startcommand to start scanning one of: the image of the first document and animage of the second document and to generate second scan image datawhich is to be transmitted to a terminal device identified bydestination information associated with the second scan start command;generate the second scan image data based on the one of the firstdocument and the second document scanned by the scanning unit inresponse to the second scan start command; store the first scan imagedata and the second scan image data; transmit a first notification tothe terminal device identified by the destination information associatedwith the first scan start command, the first notification includinginformation related to the stored first scan image data; transmit asecond notification to the terminal device identified by the destinationinformation associated with the second scan start command, the secondnotification including information related to the stored second scanimage data; receive a request for scan image data from the terminaldevice to which the first notification was transmitted or the terminaldevice to which the second notification was transmitted; transmit thefirst scan image data to the terminal device to which the firstnotification was transmitted if the request for the first scan imagedata is received from the terminal device to which the firstnotification was transmitted; and transmit the second scan image data tothe terminal device to which the second notification was transmitted ifthe request for the second scan image data is received from the terminaldevice to which the second notification was transmitted.
 2. The imagescanner according to claim 1, wherein the first notification and thesecond notification respectively include device information identifyingthe scanning device.
 3. The image scanner according to claim 1, whereinthe first notification and the second notification respectively includetime information indicative of a time at which the respective scan imagedata is stored by the scanner.
 4. The image scanner according to claim3, wherein the computer-readable instructions, when executed, furthercause the image scanner to: store first time information in associationwith the first scan image data; and remove the first scan image data ifa predetermined period has passed from a time indicated by the firsttime information associated with the first scan image data.
 5. The imagescanner according to claim 4, wherein the computer-readableinstructions, when executed, further cause the image scanner to notifyremoval of the first scan image data to the terminal device to which thefirst notification was transmitted.
 6. The image scanner according toclaim 1, wherein the computer-readable instructions, when executed,further cause the image scanner to remove the stored first scan imagedata after the first scan image data is transmitted to the terminaldevice to which the first notification was transmitted.